Powering care at the frontlines: healthcare providers' perspectives on solarised primary health centres in rural Karnataka, India, using the WHO HHFA framework.

Abstract

Introduction: Reliable electricity is fundamental to effective healthcare delivery; however, healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries continue to experience chronic energy shortage and frequent power interruptions. In rural India, Primary Health Centres (PHCs) often struggle to provide essential care due to unreliable electricity. This study explored healthcare providers' perspective on the impact of solar energy interventions on healthcare infrastructure and service delivery in an aspirational district of Karnataka, India.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted across the Yadgir district of North Karnataka, India. Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were carried out with 55 participants (16 men and 39 women), primarily healthcare providers, including medical officers, nurses, technicians, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and other support staff. The interviews and discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and thematically analysed. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines and applied the Harmonized Healthcare Assessment (HHFA) framework.

Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) strengthened service availability; (2) enhanced service readiness; (3) advanced quality of care; and (4) improved data management, costs, operation, and maintenance. Solarisation of healthcare facilities significantly improved service quality, reliability, and resilience by enabling safe maternal deliveries, ensuring reliable vaccine cold storage, and supporting timely emergency care. The perspectives of healthcare providers offer a sustainable pathway to universal health coverage in underserved regions.